Opposition Announces Joint Constitutional Struggle Against Imposition of Governor’s Rule and Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

PESHAWAR/QUETTA (Daily Qudrat Quetta) — Opposition parties have announced a joint struggle against the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demanding supremacy of the Constitution, sovereignty of Parliament, protection of the public mandate, and the holding of transparent elections. Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai, announcing contact with all opposition parties and the convening of an All Parties Conference, has said that the option of resigning from the assemblies also exists; however, the opposition believes in a peaceful and constitutional struggle and is also ready for negotiations.

These views were expressed by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Balochistan National Party chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Abbas, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Sajid Tareen Advocate, and others while addressing a joint press conference at the Peshawar High Court before filing a case there.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that they have come to express solidarity with the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to him, the removal of the province’s elected government and the actions related to governor’s rule have given rise to several constitutional questions. He said that the public mandate should be respected and conditions should be created in the country in which Parliament can be made the real centre of decision-making.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that opposition parties are demanding supremacy of the Constitution, the return of controversial constitutional amendments, empowerment of Parliament, and the establishment of an independent commission for transparent elections. He said that contacts with all opposition parties are ongoing and they will be invited to participate in the All Parties Conference so that a joint future strategy can be determined. He said that no political leader should be deprived of the right to meet a prisoner. He also expressed reservations regarding the ban on meetings with the PTI founder and alleged pressure, and said that political issues should be resolved through negotiations and democratic means.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai also sought clarification regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s elected Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, saying that the people should be told where he is. He expressed concern over reports of the alleged disappearance of provincial ministers, assembly members, and workers. He said that despite political differences, it is necessary to ensure the constitutional rights and legal protection of citizens. He made it clear that the opposition will not adopt the path of violence and confrontation but will continue a peaceful struggle for its demands. He said that if the government is serious about negotiations, the opposition is also ready for talks; however, all institutions must work within their constitutional limits.

Balochistan National Party chief Akhtar Mengal said that those who call themselves the creators of the Constitution are the ones shredding the Constitution. According to him, by imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the entire province is being accused of terrorism, whereas in Balochistan too, operations against terrorism have been ongoing for a long time, but instead of improving, the entire province there is engulfed in unrest.

He asked whether such actions can solve problems. Akhtar Mengal claimed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s elected Chief Minister has been picked up, while reports of the Speaker and ministers going missing are also emerging. He said that people who came through Form 47 are sitting in the houses, and such a system cannot last long.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasser Abbas said that lawlessness is at its peak in the country, and if the rulers cannot run the system, they have occupied a province. According to him, government ministers have also admitted the failure of the system. He alleged that those who stole the mandate want to suppress the voice of objection and protest. Referring to the increase in poverty, Allama Raja Nasser Abbas said that remaining silent on the country’s current situation is contrary to the requirements of love for Pakistan. He made it clear that whatever the circumstances, they will remain firm on their position and struggle.

On the other hand, petitions challenging the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Peshawar High Court have been fixed for hearing on October 20. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, in his petition, has termed the action of October 11, 2026 as unconstitutional and sought its annulment.

According to Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, after approaching the High Court, the matter will also be taken to the Federal Constitutional Court if needed. According to him, the route of filing a petition directly in the Constitutional Court also exists; however, it was considered better to approach the High Court first. Opposition leaders expressed their commitment that they will continue their struggle for the supremacy of the Constitution, protection of the public mandate, provincial rights, and the autonomy of democratic institutions.